Maple Pecan Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Hasselback sweet potatoes look so impressive. They’re definitely special-occasion worthy and yet, so easy to make. 

Here is my winning recipe for maple-glazed hasselback sweet potatoes for you to try. 

If you love this recipe, you need to try my smashed potatoes with vegan pesto. They’re another crowd-pleasing potato recipe!

Why you’ll love these Hasselback sweet potatoes

Here’s why you need to make these sweet potatoes asap:

• Crispy exterior, tender interior: Hasselback sweet potatoes have tender outer edges and soft, comforting interiors.
• Delicious flavors: The unique Hasselback slicing technique allows the flavors and seasonings to penetrate deep into the sweet potatoes. The result it out of this world!
• Showstoppers: These make a stunning presentation on any dinner table or holiday spread. 
• Easy to make: Despite their elegant appearance, Hasselback sweet potatoes are surprisingly simple. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create a gourmet side dish!
• Nutrient-rich: Sweet potatoes are packed with essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. According to Harvard School of Public Health – sweet potatoes contain the highest level of Beta Carotene than any other vegetable! Woa!

My Culinary School and Sweet Potato Story

Sweet potato has always been a comfort food for me. After a long day, nothing is better than to eat a warm, slightly sweetened, sweet potato.  

I can remember back to when I was in Culinary school in NYC. After a long day of classes, I was usually so exhausted that it felt like an eternity to walk back to my home. What was just a few blocks, seemed like miles, and felt more like I was walking in place with the apartment not getting any closer. 

On those days, I would stop at the grocery store across the street from my studio apartment and buy a sweet potato. Then my sweet potato and I would cross the street, wave to the doorman, and ride the elevator up, up, up to the 20th floor.  

After washing the sweet potato, it would bake in the oven while I waited, sometimes patiently and other times impatiently:) (You might be surprised how you can talk, cook, eat, and learn about food all day and still be starving by the end of the day:)) 

The smell of my baking sweet potato would make it’s way out of my studio, just about the time when I would pull it from the oven, sprinkle it with a little salt, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Then, a very happy Ani would sit in her tiny little studio apartment in Manhattan, enjoying the comforting taste of a wonderful sweet potato. Life was good. 

Looking for more sweet potato recipes? Try my favorite vegan sweet potato and kale coconut curry recipe or this roasted sweet potato slices with fresh cranberry and pomegranate relish.

Ingredients and substitution notes 

Here are the handful of basic ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe:

• Sweet potatoes:  Choose large, even-shaped sweet potatoes. You can make this recipe with regular white potatoes too, if you like.
• Oil: For brushing – any good quality oil like olive oil or avocado oil will do.
• Maple syrup: I love the mild sweetness of maple syrup. This vegan sweetener can be swapped for agave syrup. Just remember that agave is a bit sweeter so you may need to adjust the amount you use.
• Toasted pecans: I toast mine in the oven at 400F for 6 min. Toasting your pecans brings out the flavor of the nuts. You can also use almonds or walnuts in this recipe.
• Vegan margarine: For that buttery potato flavor we all crave.

Hasselback sweet potatoe recipe variations and add-ins

Here are some delicious variations and add-ins for these Hasselback sweet potatoes:

• Garlic herb vegan butter: Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Spread the mixture between the slices of the sweet potatoes before popping them into the oven.
• Cinnamon spice and brown sugar: Mix ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt to create a sweet and aromatic spice blend. Sprinkle the mixture over the sweet potatoes before baking.
• Tahini and roasted red pepper sauce: Blend tahini with roasted red peppers, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. Drizzle the sauce over the sweet potatoes before serving them.
• Italian herb Pesto: Spread my vegan basil pesto between the slices of the sweet potatoes before baking.

Top tips for making the best hasselback sweet potatoes

Here are my secret tips to the perfect hasselback sweet potatoes:

• Prep the potatoes properly: Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. 
• Slice evenly and carefully: Use a sharp knife to make thin, even slices along the length of the sweet potato, being careful not to cut all the way through. Placing chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato can help prevent the knife from slicing through.
• Baste during baking: Baste the sweet potatoes periodically during baking so they are evenly coated with the glaze and develop a caramelized crust. You can use the liquid in the roasting tray to baste with.
• Cover while baking: To prevent the potatoes from drying out, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil during the first baking stage. This helps to trap steam and ensures that the potatoes remain tender on the inside while the exterior caramelizes.
• Test for doneness: Pierce the potatoes with a fork or skewer to check for doneness. They should be tender all the way through and easily pierced with little resistance. If the potatoes are still firm, continue baking until they reach the desired tenderness.

Make ahead of instructions and storage

Here’s how to save yourself a bit of time and prepare ahead:

Make Ahead Instructions

1. Prepare the sweet potatoes: You can prepare the sweet potatoes up to the point of slicing them and seasoning them with olive oil and spices. Once sliced and seasoned, you can cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Partial baking: You can also partially bake the sweet potatoes for about 20-25 minutes instead of fully baking them. Then, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Storage Instructions:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing them.
2. Remember to reheat thoroughly before serving, either in the oven, microwave or on the stovetop, until they are heated through. Enjoy your delicious Hasselback sweet potatoes!

Serving suggestions 

Serve these alongside all your favorite vegan protein mains and salads. I love these as a side to my vegan holiday roast or this vegan roast turkey. Add a batch of garlicky Brussel sprouts and my roasted carrots with pistachios – SO delicious. Don’t forget the vegan holiday gravy!

FAQs

Are you flying through this recipe post for hasselback sweet potatoes? All good – here are some key points:

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes for Hasselback style?
Yes, you can use regular potatoes for Hasselback-style cooking. The method remains the same, though the flavor and texture will differ from sweet potatoes. Try my Easy Hasselback Potatoes with Herbs.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes before making Hasselback-style?
It’s a matter of personal preference. You can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients, or peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.

How can I prevent the sweet potatoes from breaking apart while slicing?
Place the sweet potato on a stable surface and use a sharp knife. You can also place chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the sweet potato to act as a guide, preventing you from cutting all the way through.

Can I prepare Hasselback sweet potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Hasselback sweet potatoes in advance. Follow the make-ahead instructions provided, and you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done cooking?
The sweet potatoes are done when they are tender and can easily be pierced with a fork. The edges should also be crispy and slightly browned.

Can I freeze leftover Hasselback sweet potatoes?
Technically it is possible to freeze cooked sweet potatoes but, the texture may change. It’s best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

How can I reheat leftover Hasselback sweet potatoes?
Reheat leftover Hasselback sweet potatoes in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop until heated through. Be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.

Watch My Maple Pecan Hasselback Sweet Potato Recipe Video:

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Looking for more sweet potato recipes? Try my vegan sweet potato with marshmallows or my sweet potato kale coconut curry soup recipes.